Fine Arts

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Note: $10 supply fee

This class is for the student who enjoys working in the three-dimensional medium of clay.

Introduction to Ceramics concentrates on making pottery using the fundamental processes of pinching, coiling, and joining slabs of clay. A clay whistle will also be made which will introduce the additive sculpture process. Subtractive sculpture will be introduced and executed with a plaster-carving project. The Elements of Art and the Principles of Design as they relate to pottery will be covered. Also a glossary of ceramics terms and investigation of other basic ceramic processes will be covered.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as it relates to three-dimensional clay forms.
• Make pottery using fundamental hand-building techniques.
• Decorate and glaze their pottery.
• Understand the basics of the firing process.
• Converse in the language of art.
• Participate in formal critique of art.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Note: $10 supply fee

This class is for students who are serious about improving and understanding their own creative process. Drawing is a skill basic to all art. The most important factor in learning to draw is learning how to see the way an artist sees. Through mental and drawing exercises students will develop their ability to see, perceive, and think as an artist does. Students will explore and stretch to discover the artist residing within. The course requires an open and willing mind.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

1. Draw with multiple media
2. Practice the process of drawing as art-making
3. Apply a basic understanding of the visual language and its implied conventions/patterns of seeing through drawing terminology.
4. Apply image making, expressive approaches, building content and idea generation.
5. Understand basic drawing terms and apply them in individual and group critiques together as evidence of growing critical thinking.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Note: $10 supply fee

This class is for students with an interest in painting as a form of self expression who wish to further develop their visual sense.

This is an introductory course designed to give the student exposure to and experience in the fundamentals of mechanics of painting as well as also the creative process as a means to innovation. The course will be divided into two main mediums - watercolors and acrylics. Common and individual characteristics will be examined. Students will explore and discover their own artistic process within in a studio environment. The course requires an open and willing mind.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

1. Apply the fundamentals of color theory and the methods of reductive color mixing through the use of acrylic paint.
2. Apply concepts of 2D design through the use of acrylic paint, emphasizing studio practices, fundamental principles of design, and techniques of painting.
3. Use a brush with precision
4. Identify the visual language, its implied patterns and conventions of seeing and painting terminology.
5. Use image making, expressive approaches, building content and idea generation.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Other requirements: Students are encouraged to provide a working digital SLR camera. If a camera is not available to the student, one will be provided on a project by project basis.

This class is for the student who wishes to explore expression through the camera, enjoys observing the world, and has an interest in photography.

Digital Photography not only concentrates on the craft of digital photography but also emphasizes learning to develop an artistic eye using the media of photography. Students will develop an artistic vocabulary dealing with the elements and principles of art, composition, history and criticism.

Photo assignments will include the themes of emphasis, visual dynamics, light and shadow, and stylistic re-creations of a photographer of the student’s choice. Instruction and lecture on the mechanics of a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, the development of RAW photos in Photoshop, photo compositing, photo illustration and much more.

Though there will be few homework assignments, students should be prepared to shoot photos outside of school on their own time. It is imperative that students shoot photos in a timely manner in order to complete in-class coursework.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in their own work.
• Effectively operate a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera.
• Manipulate photographs in Photoshop.
• Objectively critique their own photographs and the work of others.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic history of photography through their own photography and a research project.

1 credit (Fine Arts or Technology)

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

This class is for students with an interest in the visual arts and for students who enjoy hands-on, project-based, independent work, using the computer as a tool. The computer has found its way into every aspect of people’s lives. In the art world, the computer’s capabilities have just begun to be explored. Painting is a skill basic to all visual art, and using the computer to paint is a new, exciting way to learn the basics of artistic communication.

Using this new medium, the student will explore new realms of self expression, while developing an artist’s eye and vocabulary. Students will explore the capabilities of the computer in creating this new breed of art and gain a foundation in the visual arts.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Gain proficiency with the mechanics of computer painting.
• Use the elements and principles of Art in their artworks to help express their ideas.
• Create their own computer artwork.
• Use the symbolic language to express ideas in their artworks.
• Participate informal critique in order to improve their artworks.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics and permission of the instructor

Note: $10 supply fee

This class is for the student who has patience, perseverance, determination, and the strong work ethic that wheel-thrown pottery demands in order to be successful. Anyone wishing to take this course must be willing to trim their fingernails short for proper technique.

The primary focus of Studio Ceramics is learning to “throw” symmetrical pottery on the potter’s wheel. Assignments will progress from bowls, to cylinders, to mugs with handles, pitchers and bottles. Related processes and techniques covered will be wedging of clay, trimming pots, and making handles. Discussion of how the form of a pot and its function relate will be an integral part of the course. If a student wishes to explore clay sculpture, they may discuss their ideas with the instructor.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as it relates to wheel-thrown pottery.
• Create pottery on the potter’s wheel.
• Investigate the connection between form and function.
• Critique their own work and the work of others.
• Demonstrate understanding of the firing and glazing process.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Any Introductory Visual Arts Class: Introduction to Drawing, Introduction to Painting, Introduction to Digital Photography, or Computer Art

Note: $10 supply fee

The studio level is the next step after the introductory class. The emphasis is on the process of making 2D Art. Course work provides an in-depth, project-based experience using a range of mediums, including drawing, painting and photography. Students interested in further study of ceramics should take Studio Ceramics. This class is for students who have a serious interest in art making as a form of self-expression and who wish to further develop their visual sense. There is a concentration on expanding the personal creative process, knowledge and understanding. Common and individual characteristics will be explored. Self-expression will be emphasized. 

Learner Outcomes: 

Students will: 

• Continue to explore the mechanics with a variety of mediums.
• Demonstrate an advanced working knowledge of the basic Elements of Art and Principles of Design.
• Use the visual language in an expressive and meaningful way.
• Critique their own work and the work of others in a constructive manner.
• Explore in depth their personal creative process and its applications
• Gain an in-depth working art vocabulary.

3 credits

Grade level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Studio level course in the Visual Arts discipline of interest. Enrollment is by application process completed in January of the previous school year. Previous work, work ethic, and desire to achieve are taken into consideration.

Advantages: Students may submit a portfolio for AP college credit. Weighted grade.

Students enrolled in AP classes will prepare for and take the AP exam in May. Any waivers must be approved by the instructor and the principal.

This is a college-level course intended for the serious-minded art student. It is rigorous preparation for the AP Art submission or for a college admissions portfolio. Students must be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently. Students will deepen and solidify their understanding of the process of creating art. The enrollment process will be by an instructor interview on a student-by-student basis.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

1. Prepare for an AP submission.
2. Create a portfolio of dynamic work by using new visual information through the process of personal experimentation and discovery within a framework of critical dialogue and formal understanding of artistic medium.
3. Improve and expand an understanding of the materials and techniques of 2D communication.
4. Critically think about art making on a formal level and also develop the ability to assert agency in relationship to the history and theory of art.
5. Independently create work within a rigorous studio practice while learning to be in dialogue within contemporary art discourse.
6. Display artwork and participate in a collective art exhibition.

Grade levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: A minimum of two years experience playing a band instrument. Students with no previous experience should contact the band director prior to enrollment.

This course is for woodwind, brass, and percussion students interested in continuing their instrumental music performance and study.

Students will gain experience in a variety of styles and structures of music through playing, listening, and writing. Classes include technical studies and repertoire preparation for individuals, sections, and the entire ensemble. Students are expected to participate in rehearsals and concerts. The Concert Band is a performing group.

Learner Outcomes:

• Experience growth and development in the areas of teamwork, self-discipline, personal achievement and appreciation of the arts.
• Gain knowledge of the elements of art as they relate to music, such as rhythm, melodic line, tone, form and balance.
• Make friends, build self-confidence and contribute to the Holy Angels community.
• Advance their individual and ensemble instrumental music skills.

Students interested in Concert Band are encouraged to contact the band director to discuss scheduling options.

Ninth grade students will take Concert Band in conjunction with their ninth grade Physical Education class.

3 credits

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

The Concert Choir is open to any student at Holy Angels who wants to sing. Daily rehearsals will involve warm-up activities, developing a blended choral sound, sight-singing, ear-training exercises and music reading work. The Concert Choir is a SATB ensemble that will perform at regularly scheduled concerts and events. Choir students will experience a variety of styles and structures of music through singing, listening, and written work.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Experience growth and development in the areas of teamwork, self-discipline, personal achievement and appreciation of the arts.
• Gain knowledge of the elements of art as they relate to music, such as rhythm, melodic line, tone, form and balance.
• Make friends, build self-confidence and contribute to the Holy Angels community.
• Develop an ability to blend their singing voice with others, sight-sing and read music.

Students interested in Concert Choir are encouraged to contact the choir director to discuss scheduling options.

Ninth grade students will take Concert Choir in conjunction with their ninth grade Physical Education class.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to Theatrical Arts is for students who wish to be more knowledgeable about theater from an audience perspective. It offers an overview of the art form in which students will gain an appreciation of theater by exploring the various elements that create theater. Students will learn what to look for when in the audience of a theatrical event and learn how to effectively critique theater.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• See and critique two to three plays.
• Understand the workings of the production staff.
• Be able to identify basic theatrical architecture and parts of the stage.
• Study theater history, playwrights, acting styles, and elements of technical theater.
• Read and analyze scripts.
• Develop an acting vocabulary and use it in written and oral critiques.
• Study and develop fundamental skills in script writing.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Stagecraft explores set, costume, prop, and lighting design for the theater. 

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Apply the elements and principles of art to communicate a play's message.

• Use the fundamentals of scenic, lighting, and properties design to executed model designs of sets, lights, costumes and props.

• Develop and use theater vocabulary.

• Describe the organizational structure of technical theater.

• Present designs in an oral presentation

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Acting I is for students who are interested in beginning their study of acting by preparing and performing a variety of scenes and monologues from contemporary dramatic literature. This is a course that requires active participation and daily performances.

Acting I is a lab course with the majority of the work being done in class. Areas covered include contemporary scene study, monologue preparation, character analysis, script analysis, acting styles and audition techniques.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Prepare scenes and monologues to gain performance experience.
• Apply the emotional impact on the audience of stage positions.
• Effectively create and sustain a character.
• Apply proper vocal technique and stage movement technique.
• Analyze a script for character development.
• View and submit written critiques of two live theatrical productions.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Acting I or permission of Theater Director

Acting II is a lab class for highly motivated students who are interested in studying and performing scenes from Shakespearean plays.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Apply proper vocal techniques specific to acting Shakespearean text.
• Explain blank verse poetry.
• Prepare and perform monologues and scenes from Shakespeare.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Acting I and II and approval of the Theater Director

This lab course is for serious theater students who want to further their study of scene study through independent research and advanced scene and character analysis.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Apply advanced techniques in character development.
• Read, understand, and analyze three plays from ancient, classic and modern dramatic literature.
• Write and perform scenes from the studied plays.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

This class is for students interested in learning and improving their public speaking skills. Students will learn the elements of effective public speaking and the preparation and presentation of persuasive, informative, discussion, extemporaneous, and motivational speeches. Students will explore the use of multimedia in its application for public speaking.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Prepare and present five major speeches.
• Apply the emotional, psychological, and philosophical impact of the speaker’s style on their audience.
• Proper vocal technique as it relates to public discourse.
• Analyze and critique speeches for effectiveness.
• Apply appropriate visual aids in presenting their works.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Audition Techniques is a course for the serious theater student who seeks to improve audition techniques through active presentations of prepared monologues and cold reading experiences.

Students will study and prepare audition pieces that can be used in the professional theater. Students will also explore techniques for film, television and commercial industry.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Perform three to five audition pieces for critique.
• Prepare a final audition presentation for review by a panel of theater professionals.
• Read Master Class by Terrence McNally and Actor’s Audition by David Black for class discussion.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 12

Prerequisites: Acting I and permission of the instructor

Introduction to Directing is for the serious theater student who would like the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of directing for the stage. Students will work with Acting I students to produce scenes from contemporary dramatic literature. Areas studied include script analysis, blocking, motivation and script selection.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Analyze scripts as a director.
• Direct two scenes using students from the Acting I class.
• Prepare prompt books for each scene.
• Critique methods by offering oral critiques to Acting I students.
• Explain basic blocking, stage movement and creation of stage pictures.

1 credit

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Media Studies is for students who are interested in studying and evaluating various forms of media communication.

This is an excellent class for any student who enjoys discussion and critique. Students study the symbolic nature of language in the media and how it is used in advertising, religion, politics and other forms of public discourse. Students will prepare both formal and informal critiques and present them in written and verbal formats.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

• Explain the verbal and non-verbal symbols used in society.
• Use critical thinking skills to interpret media.
• Critique the communication methods of our society.
• Prepare two major written critiques and several smaller oral critiques.
• Discuss, give presentations and evaluate each other’s written work.
• Increase proficiency in one's own communication skills.